Exfoliative cytological procedures as a nonintrusive method for dermatogerontological studies

Exfoliative cytological procedures, based on the sticky slide and detergent scrub techniques, were used in the nonintrusive collection of horny cells from the skin surface of volunteers 20 to 30 yr of age and 65+ yr of age. These samples were analyzed with a variety of instruments, including a Magiscan image analyzer, a Vickers M-85 microspectrophotometer, and a Coulter electronic cell counter. The results indicate that age-associated changes in horny cells may be useful in monitoring objectively aging of skin and in assessing the impact of various environmental insults on aging.